I live in Montana. Ex and I were divorced over three years ago, we have a 6 yr old daughter, and have had a court ordered parenting plan in place since then. The parenting agreement is 50/50, week on, week off.
I just moved across town and when I did, ex filed for full custody based on the fact that I moved out of daughters school area. Ex does not live in school area as well, daughter went to that school so she could attend w/adopted brother.
I cannot afford an attorney, so I am representing pro se. In my response I expressed that there is no reason to change parenting schedule. We were ordered to attend mediation, ex and her attorney would not go. Went to status conference w/standing master, I requested that daughter go to counselling and ex and I attend mediation. I also requested that the court require ex to honor the alternate care clause in our original order. Court granted all of the above.
My question is I dont know where to go from here. The mediator and counsellor have both said that they think the child should have a primary residence and the other parent frequent visitation. I feel that I have alot of good reasons why daughter should live with me and visit mom. I also feel that this could possibly backfire because she has an attorney and I dont. Not afraid of anything I have done or said, just not much legal experience.
I could also request that the court keep the residential schedule the same, but I am not sure how/when to do this. We have only gone to one counseling session and our first mediation is Monday. Given the direction we have taken thus far is it too late for that?
How do I build my case for daughter to live with me if mom presents no immediate damger to child?
I just moved across town and when I did, ex filed for full custody based on the fact that I moved out of daughters school area. Ex does not live in school area as well, daughter went to that school so she could attend w/adopted brother.
I cannot afford an attorney, so I am representing pro se. In my response I expressed that there is no reason to change parenting schedule. We were ordered to attend mediation, ex and her attorney would not go. Went to status conference w/standing master, I requested that daughter go to counselling and ex and I attend mediation. I also requested that the court require ex to honor the alternate care clause in our original order. Court granted all of the above.
My question is I dont know where to go from here. The mediator and counsellor have both said that they think the child should have a primary residence and the other parent frequent visitation. I feel that I have alot of good reasons why daughter should live with me and visit mom. I also feel that this could possibly backfire because she has an attorney and I dont. Not afraid of anything I have done or said, just not much legal experience.
I could also request that the court keep the residential schedule the same, but I am not sure how/when to do this. We have only gone to one counseling session and our first mediation is Monday. Given the direction we have taken thus far is it too late for that?
How do I build my case for daughter to live with me if mom presents no immediate damger to child?
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